The Hematology Specialist must have gained theoretical, scientific and professional knowledge to recognize, diagnose and treat all diseases of the blood and hematopoietic organs, to assist other specialists in the recognition, diagnosis and treatment of complications or haematological alterations of other diseases, to carry out transfusion medicine functions. To this end, the specialist in hematology must have a thorough knowledge of the pathophysiological bases of blood diseases and immunohematology and transfusion medicine and must have developed direct experience in the relevant diagnostic and laboratory methodologies.

Basic learning objectives: fundamental knowledge of anatomical-physiology, biochemistry and genetics of blood and lymphatic system as well as the statistical approach and the study of haemopathies as basic biological notions for learning clinical pathophysiology and haematological therapy;

Objectives of the general training: deepening of the basic knowledge of hematological diseases and related diseases, as well as learning of general principles of internal medicine and the etiopathogenetic mechanisms that determine the development of hematological diseases; theoretical and practical approach to laboratory techniques applied to hematology including cytomorphology, immunocytochemistry, histopathology, hemostasis and thrombosis, molecular biology, molecular cytogenetics and proliferative kinetics;

Educational objectives of the type of School: acquisition of the fundamental theoretical and technical knowledge necessary for the epidemiological evaluation, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the blood and blood and lymphatic system as well as application of the same to clinical practice related to transfusion medicine; theoretical knowledge and clinical practice related to the use of bone marrow and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allogeneic and autologous) and the approach to the main cell therapies. Clinical and functional evaluation of patients who are candidates for transplantation, stem cell mobilization and bone marrow explant procedures, functional evaluation (immunophenotypic, culture) of stem cells, infusion and monitoring of engraftment and post-transplant clinical course.

To be able to recognize and treat the symptoms of the terminal phase and to plan and manage palliative and pain therapy care for the terminally ill, deepening the knowledge necessary to allow a correct relationship and effective communication between doctor/patient and with his/her family.

The following are compulsory  professionalizing activities for the achievement of the educational purposes of the type:

• have followed at least 200 cases of haemopathies, of which at least 2/3 of oncohaematology, actively participating in their diagnostic framework, in the planning, execution and control of therapeutic protocols and supportive therapy including transfusion therapy. In particular through:
  • execution of at least 75 bone marrow aspirates, participating in the diagnostic definition phase of the aforementioned cases;
  • execution of at least 20 bone marrow biopsies, participating in the diagnostic definition phase of the aforementioned cases;
  • Performing at least 10 diagnostic and/or therapeutic spinal taps in patients with blood and lymphatic disease.
• have acquired experience in diagnostic procedures and therapeutic devices relating to the main haemorrhagic and thrombotic diseases, personally participating in screenings relating to haemostasis and coagulation pathologies and in the monitoring of anticoagulant therapy;
• have actively participated in the clinical and functional evaluation of the patient with anemia or other peripheral cytopenias.
• have acquired familiarity in the laboratory practice of general hematology with regard to cytomorphology of blood cells, cytochemistry, immunological and cytogenetic  characterization, molecular genetics and cell culture techniques related to hemopathies;
• have attended a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation unit (HSC) actively participating in the clinical management of at least 20 patients undergoing allogeneic and/or autologous transplantation, acquiring the necessary knowledge related to the procedures of collection, separation and cryopreservation of HSCs from peripheral venous blood and bone marrow blood;
• have acquired knowledge in erythrocytoapheresis and plasmapheresis procedures and in the execution and interpretation of erythrocyte phenotypes, Coombs tests and in the search for irregular antierythrocyte antibodies;
• have collaborated in the evaluation of outpatients and referrals for consultation and have taken part in the therapeutic procedures of hematological DH.

Integrated training objectives (i.e. common trunk): the student must have acquired satisfactory theoretical knowledge and professional competence in the clinical and instrumental diagnosis and treatment, even in emergency-urgency conditions, of the most common internal pathologies. The student must acquire the fundamental knowledge of the pathophysiology of the various organs and systems, the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary for the recognition of diseases affecting the different systems of the body, the theoretical and practical knowledge of the main sectors of instrumental and laboratory diagnostics related to the aforementioned diseases, the acquisition of the ability to evaluate internal and specialist connections and influences. He must therefore be able to recognize the symptoms and clinical-functional signs with which diseases of various organs and systems manifest themselves, having acquired the fundamental diagnostic, therapeutic, psychological and ethical knowledge necessary for a global vision of the patient. To this end, the ability to clinically frame the patient on the basis of the anamnesis and physical examination must mature; develop critical and analytical diagnostic skills; become familiar with the main diagnostic procedures and laboratory-instrumental investigations; recognise and be able to deal with major medical emergencies; familiarize themselves with therapeutic resources in order to plan their optimal use and recognize their indications and contraindications, as well as the effects of interaction and possible iatrogenic accidents; acquire the fundamental notions relating to clinical research methodologies and pharmacological trials; know the fundamental problems related to prevention, public health and social medicine. The resident must have acquired satisfactory theoretical knowledge and professional competence in the recognition and treatment, in emergency-urgency conditions, of the most common pathologies. Finally, the resident must also know, from a clinical and therapeutic point of view, the most common pathologies of competence of the other types of the class.

The student will be able to compete for the diploma after completing the professionalizing activities.

As part of the training course, the student will have to learn the scientific bases of the type of School in order to achieve full maturity and professional competence that includes an adequate ability to interpret scientific innovations and critical knowledge that allows him to consciously manage both assistance and his own updating; In this context, participation in meetings, congresses and the production of scientific publications and periods of attendance in qualified Italian and foreign institutions useful for his/her training may be envisaged.